Amplify your kitchen cool with the Marshall Fridge

Much like NAMM in the U.S., Germany's Musikmesse is a chance for the music industry to showcase both old favorites and new technology. Among the rows of classic amps on show at Marshall's booth this year is something that may look like an amp from the Jim Marshall signature series, but which is nothing of the sort. The authentic Marshall amp head and cabinet facing of the prototype Marshall Fridge open up to reveal 4.4 cubic feet (124 liters) of can or bottle chilling storage space, with handy can storage on the inside of the door and a mini freezer to feed users with a steady supply of ice cubes.

Unfortunately, much like the initial announcement of its Major and Minor headphones, Marshall is not giving too much away about its latest branded non-amp product at the moment. The Energy Star, RoHS and UL compliant fridge sports Presence, EQ, Master and Pre-Amp control knobs across the head section that go up to eleven but there's no word on whether these actually do anything other than look cool. Either way, it will no doubt make a useful and good-looking addition to any rehearsal room and is sure to be the next must-have dorm accessory.

Production models should be shipping in early 2013 for US$399.99, hit the source link to register for updates.

Not that I'm complaining at all, but would it lessen its appeal to have a distorted guitar riff sound as the door opens or even include a digital music player in the head and some speakers in the cab?

While we wait for more details to emerge, have a look at the following very rock 'n' roll introductory video from Marshall:

While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before the desire for sunnier climes saw him wave a fond farewell to his native Blighty in favor of Bordeaux, France. He's now a dedicated newshound pursuing the latest bleeding edge tech for Gizmag. All articles by Paul Ridden

Can't we get a "makeover" kit for normal minibar fridges? Looks good. even though I'm not a music fan, I like that sort of kit...

agulesin 26th March, 2012 @ 04:21 am PDT

Conversely should I make my amp look like a fridge? Maybe my hat look like my underpants, my car like a rocket. Humm. Says a lot about the intellectual sophistication of the client base.

David Richard Tobin 26th March, 2012 @ 05:13 am PDT

O.k. sports fans, here's something for the rest of us. What other brands will jump into the market? Just imagine the possibilities for competition between the various amplifier manufacturers for product placement in recording studios, rehearsal spaces, back stage "green rooms", and so forth. Next, logically, name acts will want to get in on the market and start having these fridges gussied up with the artist's own logo, album cover, whatever. "Quick, call my agent! I smell a marketing opportunity in the making."